Trump orders plans for rapid strikes on Iran without prolonged war — WSJ

Sources told the publication that Trump expects scenarios that would inflict significant damage on the Iranian regime, pressuring Tehran to make concessions. This primarily includes compliance with Washington’s demands on its nuclear program, as well as the release of political opponents and dissidents.

Among the most severe options under consideration is a series of large-scale airstrikes targeting Iranian government sites and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This scenario is designed to demonstrate US strength and resolve without triggering a full-scale war.

At the same time, a less radical approach is also being studied: precision strikes on symbolic targets. These would leave room for further escalation if Iran refuses to agree to terms acceptable to the Trump administration.

US-Iran relations

The US recently deployed an additional naval vessel to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran.

As a result, US Central Command now has under its responsibility the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, destroyers USS Spruance, USS Murphy, USS Frank E. Petersen, USS McFaul, USS Mitscher, and three littoral combat ships: USS Canberra, USS Tulsa, and USS Santa Barbara.

Tensions sharply escalated after Tehran violently suppressed anti-government protests earlier this month. Human rights groups report that thousands were killed during the demonstrations.

President Trump issued a strong statement, threatening to intervene in support of the protesters. He also warned that time is running out for a new nuclear deal with Iran, and that failure to reach an agreement could justify a large-scale US military strike.

Iran, for its part, has pledged a devastating response to any aggressive actions, highlighting the high level of regional tension.